Kids get up close with visiting artists

Professional local musicians will share their talents and experiences with Boys & Girls Clubs members in the new Visiting Artist Series. Sean Carscadden kicked off the series last week, to the delight of more than 100 kids.

“They are really focused on him,” said theClubs’ Rachel Cusick. “They loved it!”

Each artist will play music, and then share early learning experiences with music, what led the artist to choose music as a profession, experiences as a professional performer, and ways that music has helped to improve other areas of life. Club members will be encouraged to experience the instruments personally and sing along.

“The goal series is to expose kids to different types of music and musicians,” Cusick said. “The Visiting Artist Series program is the first step in a full ladder of music exposure and education that will be offered at (here).”

The next session is Wednesday, February 19, with Ellen Toscano, a member of the Beach Blanket Babylon cast since 2005. Future performers include: Izi, a native Hawaiian ukulele player, on February 26; Aaron Redner, fiddler and mandolin player, March 5; drummer Scott DeMartini and Mikey Cannon on March 12; and singer-songwriter Sarah Summers on March 26.

Performances begin at 3:30 p.m. followed by a Q and A session until about 4:15 p.m. The sessions are free for club members.

The Visiting Artist Series is a cooperative effort led by Vanessa and Rand Rognlien, parents and long time supporters of the Boys & Girls Clubs, and MusicNomad, a Sonoma based company that helps independent musicians.

Find out more at 938.8544 or Bgcsonoma.org.